Search engine optimization (SEO) is comprised of both on-site and off-site SEO. As their names imply, the former deals with on-page ways on how to give signals to search engines that your page deserves to rank in the search results pages (SERPs). The latter is mostly about off-page SEO techniques, such as utilizing link building services to build and strengthen your backlink building strategies and inter-page SEO strategies. Ideally, before you proceed to build links through guest blogging and other strategies, you should first maximize your on-site SEO potential.
Unfortunately, in the quest to gain higher ranks on SERPs, a lot of websites can neglect on-site SEO. To save your site from falling lower into the ranks, here are some of the most common on-site SEO mistakes you should avoid at all costs:
Poor Keyword Use
Without keywords to target and rank for, your efforts in making search engines recognize your site and its pages are most likely going to be in vain. To optimize your website for search engines, you need to choose the right keywords to rank for. Follow the path of long-tail keywords that both users and search engines usually root for. Once you figure out the words most likely used by people in their searches, use them strategically. However, avoid stuffing your website and content with too many keywords as this often gets interpreted as unnatural and spammy. Most importantly, make sure that your keywords are aligned and related to the content that you create.
Deficient Content Quality
Search engines direct users to the sites and pages that offer the most value. Having content that does not meet algorithmic and user standards might decrease your chance at a higher SERPs ranking. Plagiarized content is a big red flag and is cause for a penalty. Offer content that is valuable and increases the chances of gaining backlinks. Remember that if your content earns backlinks, especially from sites of medium to high authority, it is a form of recognition for your site’s credibility. Logically, search engines will detect the influx of links to your content, earning you a higher spot in the SERPs.
Overlooked On-Page Website Elements
The entire webpage form, along with its specific parts, all work together to bring the ultimate experience that both search engines and users look for. Neglect one element and the rest gets affected. As an example, title tags, meta-descriptions, and alt tags, all create signals that lead search bots to your website. Irrelevant (and sometimes non-existent) tags will definitely reduce your ranking chances because search engines have no means to assess your site for user’s search relevance.
Outdated Site Format & Practices
If your website renders slow on various devices, especially on mobile, your site’s ranking may be in trouble. Search engines have recognized that searches are done across various devices nowadays. If your page fails to pass this multi-screen and mobile compatibility, search engines will not recommend your site to its users. To fix this, you should improve your site’s mobile-friendliness aspect by tweaking its page loading time as well as other mobile-friendliness factors.